David Simpson, Certain Former Governors, and "Economic Development" SLUSH FUNDS

"Dishonest scales are an abomination to the Lord,
But a just weight is His delight."
Proverbs 11:1

On Tuesday, Rick Perry endorsed David Simpson's opponent in the Texas Senate race; considering the history, we find this turn of events amusing.

Rewind to 2011:

Only two Republicans voted against the proposed budget. We Texans commends Freshman Rep. David Simpson and Rep. Aaron Pena who cast those dissenting votes. According to the Texas Observer, consistent with my own conversations with Mr. Simpson, “…the Tea Party representative voted against the bill. He said he decided against it when he saw ‘half billion dollars going to corporate welfare instead of the weak among us.’ In particular, he wanted to see funding decreased for corporate incentives, like the film incentives and the governor’s Enterprise Fund, in favor of schools and health care.” Newly minted Republican Aaron Pena was the only other dissenting Republican vote.

[Author's Note: Emphasis added.]

Again, in 2013:

The Texas House on Friday sent Gov. Rick Perry a bill to ensure state support for a college football playoff game at Cowboys Stadium.

The vote was 130-4.

Four Republicans, all elected with tea party backing, voted no.

One of them, Rep. David Simpson, R-Longview, has criticized state tax subsidies for corporations, artistic endeavors such as movies and special events.

As Simpson explained:

“During my first session [2011], the governor (Perry) invited me into his office four times. The fourth time was to call me on the carpet for opposing his corporate welfare schemes,” Simpson said in an interview.

Bottom Line: The various 'economic development' funds available to the Governor were not always as unpopular as they are today.  Five years ago, David Simpson was a lone voice opposing corporate welfare.  Considering the history, Rick Perry's endorsement of David Simpson's opponent isn't surprising in the least.